Hit-and-run accidents are a frequent occurrence in Maryland and DC, especially in urban areas where a driver can easily flee before authorities arrive. There are various reasons for these accidents, including intoxication, active warrants, or other criminal activities. Typically, a hit-and-run involves the driver leaving the scene in their vehicle. However, a recent news article demonstrates that sometimes a perpetrator will abandon their vehicle and flee on foot.
The recent incident in DC highlights the unpredictable nature of hit-and-run accidents. A vehicle plowed into a multi-story office building just north of Dupont Circle around 2 a.m. The crash left a black truck overturned on the sidewalk, causing significant damage to the first-floor office space. Emergency crews could not locate the driver or any passengers when they arrived. Although no structural integrity issues were found, the sidewalk remained closed, and the cause of the crash was unclear. This incident underscores the chaotic and dangerous nature of hit-and-run accidents, leaving victims and property owners in a difficult situation.
Hit-and-run accidents are dangerous and devastating. In Maryland, leaving the scene of an accident involving property damage, bodily injury, or death is a criminal offense. Tragically, this happens all too often, leaving injured parties in dire situations. When an at-fault driver flees in a hit-and-run accident, it can be difficult to know how to obtain compensation for your injuries and how to find the person liable for the crash.
There are several reasons why people leave the scene of an accident. These include driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, being unsure of how serious the accident was, not knowing they were involved in an accident, believing they were at fault and would face consequences, and driving without a license. While these are not valid reasons for leaving the scene, they are excuses that many drivers make. If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident, you should immediately call 9-1-1 to begin a legal record of the incident. Once law enforcement is involved, they may be able to find the responsible party.
Depending on the severity of the accident, a victim may be able to file a hit-and-run report online. However, if there are any injuries or deaths, they must contact law enforcement from the scene. An officer will be dispatched to the accident to prepare a written report.If you have been involved in a hit-and-run or other accident, you should always try to file a police report and obtain a copy as soon as possible. Law enforcement can try to locate the at-fault driver and any eyewitnesses to the collision.
Your uninsured motorist insurance policy may cover your losses. Although the at-fault party is responsible for paying damages to anyone injured in the accident they caused, when the at-fault party cannot be located, an injured party may have to turn to their own insurance policy to obtain compensation for their losses. Even if you are filing an uninsured motorist claim through your insurance company, it is still in your best interest to consult with an attorney. A car accident lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company to help obtain fair and full compensation for your injuries.
The First Steps to Take after an Accident
Anyone involved in a hit-and-run accident should reach out to authorities as soon as possible and then contact a competent attorney. If you have been injured in a motor accident, reaching out to the qualified and experienced personal injury attorneys at Schupak Law Firm is a vital step. The skilled car accident attorneys at Schupak Law Firm are experienced in handling difficult insurance companies and managing fair settlement negotiations. If a trial is necessary, they won’t hesitate to take your case as far as it goes to get you the compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor accident, do not hesitate to reach out to Schupak Law Firm to discuss your claim. Contact us with the online form, or call our office at (230)-833-3915 to get started today.